Door actuated atomizing devices



c. B. WENNER DOOR ACTUATED'ATOMIZING DEVICES Janf28, 1958 Filed June 30, 1955 7 INVENTORQ CHARLES B .WENNER BY 1 I ATTORNEY United States Patent DOOR ACTUATED AroMrzrNo DEVICES Charles B. Wenner, Darien, Conn., assignor to Airkem, Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application June 30, 1955, Serial No. 519,153

11 Claims. (Cl. 299-825) This invention relates to a valve actuating mechanism for use with aerosol containers and other atomizing dispensers and particularly to a mechanism of the class described wherein a swingably mounted part provides means for both actuating a valve and maintaining predetermined alignment of the discharge thereof. More particularly, the invention relates to a valve actuating mechanism of the class described wherein the swingably mounted member thereof is provided with a cam element in'spaced relation to the valve engaging maens for receiving actuating impulses from cooperating means movable with respect thereto.

In the operation of atomizing dispensers and particularly dispensers of the aerosol type, it is frequently desirable to provide automatic actuation of the discharge valve as the result of the movement of some member or element which is normally subject to periodic movement. A typical instance in which such automatic actuation is desirable and which will be hereinafter discussed for purpose of illustration is in the opening and/ or closing movement of a door to provide for the periodic discharge of materials such as odor counteractants, air fresheners, disinfectants, insecticides, and the like.

' In providing for actuation of a discharge valve of an aerosol container or the like in the opening and/ or closing movement of a door, the aerosol container is suitably mounted on the door or door frame with a cooperating member mounted on the other door part providing impulses for actuating the valve in the door movement.

The conversion of the relative transverse movement between the parts to a vertical valve actuated movement presents a problem for which solutions heretofore available have been quite intricate and costly. A further problem arises due to the freely rotatable mounting of most aerosol valves in aerosol containers making it diificult to maintain a predetermined direction for the spray as it is released in actuation of the valve.

- The latter aspect of the problem has been dealt with in my pending application Serial No. 485,711, filed Feb 'ruary 2, 1955, for Valve Aligning Means, and the present application may .be considered as a continuation-inpart thereof. The valve actuating mechanism of the present application, however, provides a new means for converting the transverse movement of an impulse member to a vertical valve actuating movement in a simple and efficient way by means of a unitary swingable member which is durable in construction and inexpensive to produce and which incorporates as an integral part thereof means for maintaining predetermined alignment of the discharge orifice of a valve.

Novel features of the invention will readily be under- "stood from a consideration of the following description .taken together with the accompanying drawing in which *the valve actuating mechanism and various parts thereof are identified by suitable reference characters in each of the views and in which:

Fig. 2 is a partial sectional view substantially on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1 showing the impulse member (mounted r Fig. 1 is a front elevation viewof my valve actuating on the door frame) in operative engagement with the cam element of the valve actuating mechanism;

Fig. 3 is a partial view similar to Fig. 2 showing a different position of adjustment of the impulse member;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the adjustable cam member of the valve actuating mechanism as seen in Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the cam element as shown in Fig. 4 taken along the line 5-5 and indicating 'the association thereof with a valve head;

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5, but with the cam element oriented to show a section along the line 66 as seen in Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 2 showing a modified form of the valve actuating mechanism; and

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 2 showing a further modified form of the valve actuating mechanism.

In Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawing I have shown portions of a typical door frame 10 and door 11 with means as indicated by the mounting bracket or cabinet 12 for mounting an aerosol container 13 adjacent the upper edge of the door 11. The mounting means 12 can be any device for securely clamping the container 13 to the door, but for the sake of neatness is preferably provided with a detachable cover part 14 having a cutout 15 centrally of the upper portion thereof to expose the discharge valve 16 and actuating mechanism therefor.

In alignment with the valve 16 and actuating mechanism and secured to the door frame 10 is a protruding arm 17 having at the free end thereof adjustable means 18 for imparting impulses to the valve actuating mech anism in opening and/ or closing movements of the door.

The valve actuating mechanism has been shown in Fig. 2 as comprising a swingable member 19 in substantial alignment with the protruding arm 17 on the door frame and having at its free end 20 a channeled portion for engaging an aligning lug 16 on the valve 16 which serves to maintain proper orientation of the discharge orifice 21, note in Figs. 5 and 6.

Actuation of the valve 16 is effected by swingable movement of the member 19 through a relatively small arc, and any mounting of the member 19 on the casing or bracket 12 which will provide such a limited swinging movement can be employed. Thus, while the member 19 has been shown as a link pivoted to protruding legs 12 by means of a pin 22, it will be evident that the member 19 could be fashioned as a spring member secured to the bracket or mounting 12. The pivoted construction has been shown for purpose of illustration since this is considered to be the more economical construction while at the same time providing the strength and durability required in continued use of the device. 1

Adjacent the free end 20 of the swingable member 1 and secured to the upper surface thereof is a cam element 23 for receiving actuating impulses from a cam or roller part 24 of the adjustable imparting impulse means 18. The eam element 23 is shown in greater detail in Figs. 4, 5 and 6 as having protruding corner lugs 23' on the lower portion thereof forming passages 24 which straddle the channeled end 20 of the swingable member 19. The cam element is provided with a domed upper surface 25 which is elongated in one direction to form a short bearing surface 25 along one axis and a long bearing surface 25" along the other axis. As shown in Fig. 5 of the drawing, the long bearing surface will register with the roller or cam element 24, whereas as oriented in Fig. 6, the short bearing surface will register with the roller or ca-m element 24. The cam element 23 is retained in posi- 3 tion by means of a set screw 26 which permits the cam element to be readily changed from the position shown in Fig. 5 to that shown in Fig. 6.

As the roller or cam element 24 rides over the cam surface 25, it causes depression of the-end 20 of the valve actuating mechanism and ejection of spray through the valve orifice 21. In various uses and applications of the device the duration of spray required in each actuation of the valve will vary considerably depending for example on the size of area to be treated, the speed in which the .door normally moves, and the like. The adjustable feature in the cam element 23 permits a substantial variation in the actuating time or duration of the spray as will be apparent. It is understood in this connection that the particular length of bearing surfaces 25' and 25 indicated in the drawing is purely illustrative and that these surfaces can be suitably modified to provide the type of operation desired with a particular material being atomized.

A further control in operation of the device is provided by the adjustable impulse means 18 which has been shown in Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawing as comprising upwardly extending end flanges 27 on the arm 17 having central apertures 28 for pivotally mounting swinging arms 29 which carry at their lower extremity the cam or roller 24. The upper extremities of the flanges 27 are provided with a plurality of registering apertures identified as a, b, and c for receiving a pin 30 and the pivoted arms 29 are also provided with apertures 31 adapted to register with apertures b to receive the pin 30 as shown in Fig. 2 of the drawing. When so arranged, rotation of the arms 29 about the pivot 28 is prevented and the cam or roller 24 will actuate the valve mechanism in both opening and closing movements of the door. When the pin 30 is arranged in apertures a, as seen in Fig. 3, the arms 29 carrying the cam or roller 24 are free to swing in one direction as shown in the full line position, but are prevented from swinging in the other direction as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3. Thus, with the pin 30 arranged in apertures a, the cam or roller 24 will ride freely over the cam element 23 as the door is closing without actuating the valve, but will depress the cam element 23 as the door is being opened.

It will be evident from the foregoing that changing the pin 30 from the position shown in Fig. 2 to that shown in Fig. 3 has the effect of reducing by one-half the time of valve actuation in a complete opening and closing movement of the door. If it is desired that the actuation will take place only during closing movement of the door, the pin 34 is moved from apertures a to apertures c as shown in Fig. 3.

In Fig. 7 of the drawing is shown a slightly modified form of valve actuating mechanism wherein a swingable part 32 pivoted to lugs 33 on a bracket or casing part 34 is provided with an elongated vertical cross-head 35 having a cam element 36 at the upper end thereof and a valve engaging element 37 at the lower end thereof. The cam element 36 is generally similar to that shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6 of the drawing except that the aligning means permitting orientation when the set screw 38 is loosened is provided by recesses 36' engaging protruding lugs 37 on the swingable part 32. The cam element 36 will thus provide long and short cam surfaces which may be interchangeably aligned to register with an actuating roller or cam in the manner previously described.

The valve aligning element 37 has been shown as comprising a separate member having a channel 39 to receive a protruding lug 16' of a valve 16 and secured to the swingable member 32 by means of a set screw 40. The registering surfaces of valve aligning element 37 and the swingable member 32 are suitably provided with serrations 41 for locking the aligning element in different positions of rotary adjustment. Such provision for rotary adjustment is particularly advantageous in instances where no housing is employed around the valve and valve actuating mechanism.

As shown in the drawing, an aerosol container 13 or other vaporizing dispenser together with the valve actuating mechanism are encased in the detachable cover part 42 having an upper aperture 43 through which the cam element 36 may protrude and a front aperture 44 through which the spray emanating from the valve may pass. The elongated cross-head 35 of the valve actuating mechanism provides the vertical displacement which permits the spray opening or aperture 44 to be disposed substantially below the upper surface of the cover part 42, thus providing an attractive over-all appearance while enclosing more completely the working parts of the device.

In certain applications the spray aperture 44 may be arranged in other positions i. e. to one side or the other of the valve 16 in which event rotary adjustment of the valve aligning element 37 will permit proper orientation of the valve 16 and discharge orifice thereof with the spray opening 44.

The further modification as shown in Fig. 8 corresponds closely with the modification shown in Figs. 1 and 2 in that the container 13 and valve 16 thereof are aligned near the top of a door 11. In place of the pivoted link 19 as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, however, is a spring arm 45 having an offset end 46 secured by rivets or the like 47 to a mounting means or cabinet part 48 for the container 13. The free end of the spring 45 is provided with depending flanges 49 forming a channel for locking engagement with aligning lug 16' on the valve 16 in the manner previously described in discussing Fig. 2 of the drawing. Secured to the upper surface of the spring 45 in alignment with the valve engaging end thereof is a cam element 50, preferably adjustable as in the case of the cam 23, for engagement with impulse means of the type shown in Figs. 1 and 3 of the drawing.

The spring 45 is suitably formed with a reverse or S curvature embodying curves of relatively large radius to provide a combination of vertical swingability of the free valve engaging end with a minimum of longitudinal movement as the cam element 50 is engaged by the impulse means passing longitudinally thereover.

While the valve actuating mechanism as disclosed in Fig. 8 can be employed in connection with a mounting means which supports the container 13 exposed to view, it is preferable to employ a casing or cover part 51 detachable with respect to the mounting means 48, having a top front opening 52 for exposure of the cam 50 and providing for passage of spray discharged from the valve 16. Suitable means indicated by the screw 53 can be provided for detachably securing the casing or cover part 51 in position.

While my valve actuating mechanism has been described particularly as applied to operation in the opening and/or closing movements of a door, it will be apparent that any relatively movable parts can be employed to effect the operation of the device provided that the direction of relative movement between the valve actuating mechanism and the impulse means is substantially longitudinally of the swingable member, i. e. substantially perpendicularly to the pivot or swinging axis thereof.

Various changes and modifications in the valve actuating mechanism herein disclosed will occur to'those skilled in the art and to the extent that such changes and modi fications are embraced by the appended claims, it is to be understood that they constitute part of my invention.

I claim:

1. A valve actuating mechanism for a vertically reciprocating valve, said mechanism comprising means for positioning a vertically reciprocating valve with respect to a vertical support, a swingable valve engaging member coupled with said means and protruding laterally from said vertical support to dispose the free valve engaging end thereof in the path of reciprocation of said valve, said valve engaging end of the swingable member having valve aligning means separably interfitting with said valve to prevent rotation of said valve, a cam element protrudmg from said swingable member above, and at least in partial vertical alignment with, said valve aligning means, an impulse member having means for mounting on a support separate from and movable with respect to said vertical support, the path of relative movement between said impulse member and said swingable member being substantially longitudinally of said swingable member, and means on said impulse member operatively engaging said cam element in at least one direction of said relative movement to depress the free end of said swingable member and actuate the valve engaged thereby.

2. A valve actuating mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein said cam element comprises a part adjustably coupled with said swingable member and selectively providing cam surfaces of diiferent length in the dilferent positions of adjustment thereof.

3. A valve actuating mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein the swingable member is a substantially T-shaped part pivoted at its base to said vertical support to dispose a vertically elongated portion in substantial alignment with the axis of reciprocation of said valve, the upper and lower ends of said vertically elongated portion carrying respectively said cam element and said valve aligning means.

4. A valve actuating mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein the swingable member comprises a channeled element having a pivotal mounting at one end thereof with the other channeled end forming said valve aligning means.

5. A valve actuating mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein the swingable member comprises a channeled element having a pivotal mounting at one end thereof with the other channeled end forming said valve aligning means, and wherein the cam element comprises a part detachably coupled with said swingable member and having aligning means straddling the channeled contour of said swingable part in different positions of orientation.

6. A valve actuating mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein the swingable member comprises a preformed spring element having an elongated valve engaging end, and a mounting end offset with respect to said valve engaging end.

7. A valve actuating mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein the swingable member comprises a preformed spring element having an elongated valve engaging end, and a mounting end offset with respect to said valve able about an axis substantially coinciding with the axis of reciprocation of said valve.

9. A valve actuating mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein the impulse member includes a movable cam engaging part and means for restricting movement of said part to selectively provide for operative engagement with the cam when the impulse member moves in one direction, in the other direction, and in both directions with respect to said cam.

10. A valve actuating mechanism for the automatic operation of the reciprocating valve of an aerosol container in the relative movement of a part supporting said container and a part supporting impulse means, said mechanism comprising a swingable member mounted on said first named part, said member being elongated in the direction of relative movement of said parts and having means at the swingable end portion thereof providing aligning engagement with said aerosol valve, a cam element on said member in spaced relation to said last named means adapted to register with said impulse means, and said impulse means including a movable member operatively engaging said cam element to depress the same in at least one direction of relative movement between said parts.

11. A valve actuating mechanism as defined in claim 10 wherein the cam engaging member of said impulse means is carried by a pivotal support providing swinging movement to both sides of a central operative position, and adjustable means associated with said pivotal support for selectively restricting movement from said central position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,705,787 Schuell Mar. 19, 1929 2,534,464 Marini Dec. 19, 1950 2,534,465 Marini Dec. 19, 1950 2,600,661 Kochner June 17, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS 424,026 Great Britain Feb. 13, 1935 

